The no-frills airline, launched by Southwest in the 80s, is no longer a U.S. phenomena. Low cost airlines are popping up around the globe. They are taking over domestic and international flights throughout Europe and Asia and select routes in Africa, South America, and the Middle East. A few even operate intercontinental flights. And many are profitable.

There is a another side to cheap airfare. Travelers can spend a significant amount of time scouring the web for the best deal. Not all countries have a low cost carrier and not all airports are serviced by a discount airline.

Many low-fare companies cannot be booked through on-line agencies or consolidators, such as Expedia, Orbitz and Yapta. Promotional offers are usually limited and expire on a daily if not hourly basis.

And when you find a flight, it is difficult to compare prices. The following airfare tips will reduce your search time and help prepare you for any additional travel time.

Research

• Determine which carriers service the route you wish to fly. Many airport web sites include a route map as well as a list of carriers. Other options will only be found if you check the web site of both airports for arrivals and departures.
• If you are traveling abroad or within a foreign country or continent, identify local on-line agencies and consolidators of discount airfares.
• Low cost carriers often use secondary airports. Make sure you know where you're going and can get a rental car before you book. Most low-fare carriers and many consolidators provide such information on their web sites.
• Many low-fare carriers offer point-to-point service. You may not be able to check-in for a second flight at a transit desk. Thus you may need to build-in time between flights to accommodate any passport formalities, claim your luggage and check-in for the second leg of your journey.
• Security precautions introduced by major credit card companies may limit your ability to book flights on foreign web sites.

Getting the Best Deal On Airfare

• Initiate your search with on-line agencies and consolidators.
• Subscribe to the airline and to the consolidator's newsletter.
• Utilize services that enable you to set a price, such as the Orbitz "Deal Detector". Orbitz will send an email if fares on the route you select drop to the price level you set. They provide the service for free.
• Use the consolidator as a tool. Book directly with the airline. This may lessen the service charge without affecting the airfare.

Comparing Fares

• Low cost fares are often quoted on a one-way basis.
• Taxes, handling fees and other surcharges are not always included in the initial price. Click through to the final page to effectively compare airfares and fees.
• Airfare may be quoted in the airline or consolidator's local currency only. Converting fares to a single currency will facilitate comparison.

Before You Depart

• Pack a lunch or a snack and drinks for all. Food and beverage are no longer included in the price of the airfare!
• Come to the airport early if you want to sit next to your spouse and the kids. Seating is likely to be open and boarding is oftentimes based on the order in which passengers' check-in.

Learn More Airfare Secrets, Get To AirfareSecrets.net to get more tips.